PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:

Julie Maus
Director of Corporate Communications
417-625-5101 jmaus@empiredistrict.com

EMPIRE DISTRICT ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE OUTAGE IN BOSTON AND KENOMA, MISSOURI

JOPLIN, MO - July 21, 2015 - Due to weather conditions, the maintenance outage scheduled for this morning in Boston and Kenoma, Missouri has been rescheduled for Thursday, July 23, 2015 beginning at 8:00 a.m. and lasting approximately three to four hours.
Customers should be aware these times are approximations and the outage could be postponed or extended due to weather or equipment issues.
This scheduled outage is necessary to allow crews to safely complete the installation of a new substation transformer and continue safe and reliable energy for customers in the area.
Based in Joplin, Missouri, The Empire District Electric Company (NYSE:EDE) is an investor- owned, regulated utility providing electric, natural gas (through its wholly owned subsidiary The Empire District Gas Company) and water service, with approximately 218,000 customers in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. A subsidiary of the Company also provides fiber optic services. For more information regarding Empire, visit www.empiredistrict.com.
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